What does an editor / judge / agent think when they evaluate your contest manuscript? I can't speak for all of them, but here's one editor's viewpoint. . .
Five Things I Learned After Writing My First Chapter
With my cursor at the beginning of Chapter 1 of my WWII historical fiction novel, I hit Ctrl+Enter and sighed. Beginning a book all over again isn't pleasant sometimes. I loved this chapter. I mean, really liked it, even though I knew all along something wasn't quite right about it. For several months when I … Continue reading Five Things I Learned After Writing My First Chapter
Contests 101: 5 Author Takeaways
Contests bring out the best and the worst in all of us---the entrants, the judges, the agents or editors. As a published author and professional editor, I've been on the receiving and giving side of both ends of the contest spectrum. And though I often didn't like the judges' score, I did appreciate their gracious … Continue reading Contests 101: 5 Author Takeaways
Novel Research: Town History
Small towns hold a wealth of unearthed history. And this piece surprised me!
Year in Review: 2022
Moments as a whole that energized me, brought fulfillment, and gave me a sense of deeper purpose.
Christmas on the Home Front
In 1943, the war was two years old; however, across the U.S., many homes were torn apart as fathers, brothers, uncles, and sweethearts and friends were drafted. For the duration, homes would be empty of loved ones during the holidays. To boost morale, Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" became the favorite Christmas song for … Continue reading Christmas on the Home Front
Peanut Butter and Pickles
Food was so different in the 1940s. Readers and writers of historical fiction, take note: peanut butter and . . .
Curious George and World War Two
We love Curious George! But we almost wouldn't have fallen in love with such a fun little monkey....
How to Edit Like a Director
Want your writing to dazzle your audience? Here's how...
3 Steps to Build Your Writer’s Platform
We each have intrinsic value to contribute to our community. Three ways to build your writer's platform.